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Vision plays an essential role in children’s physical, cognitive and social development. Many visual problems in childhood can go unnoticed, as children, especially younger ones, do not always know how to identify or communicate that something is not right. As eye care professionals and as parents, it is essential to pay attention to certain signs that can directly influence their learning, behaviour and quality of life.
Certain behaviours may indicate the presence of a visual problem. Among the most common warning signs are:
- Sitting too close to objects: if a child sits very close to the television, books or electronic devices, they may be compensating for poor distance or near vision.
- Frowning or squinting: this is often an attempt to focus better and may indicate a refractive error such as myopia or astigmatism.
- Frequent headaches: especially after reading or using screens, these may be due to prolonged eye strain.
- Deviation of one or both eyes (strabismus): this sign should always be assessed promptly by an ophthalmologist, as it can affect visual development.
- Coordination problems: frequent tripping or difficulty catching objects may be related to altered visual perception.
- Difficulties with school performance: if a child is easily distracted, avoids reading or has difficulty concentrating, the cause may be visual.
Even in the absence of obvious symptoms, it is recommended that children have at least one complete eye examination at around 3 years of age. In cases where there is a family history of visual problems (high refractive errors, strabismus, amblyopia, among others), the assessment should be carried out even earlier.
Early diagnosis of visual defects allows for timely treatment through glasses, vision therapy or, in some cases, specific interventions. At our ophthalmology clinic, we have specialists in paediatric ophthalmology who are trained to assess the vision of young children with the patience, empathy and professionalism they require.
Dr Anna Monés, ophthalmologist at the Barraquer Ophthalmology Centre
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We chatted with our pediatric optometrist Susana Escalera, who sees about 30 children a day in her office. Her experience and skills are paramount to a successfult eye exam of these small patients, some of whom are still a baby. It seems like a simple task, but it is not.